ChrisDepew

Just like it said. I would like to know if there is any last minute advice on what to look for. It is at a dealer in Roswell, GA and I am driving 3.5 hrs to look at it. The Carfax is clean. Two owner 151000 on the clock and it is supose to run like a champ. The only thing that they said is wrong with it is the trim piece around the shifter is missing which is funny but I guess I can find another one. Please if you have anything let me know. I hope this board can become home for me for a while. Thanks guys and gals.

defkon

check everything, which you probabaly already know. under the hood, under the car, the wheels, see if the seats work. Mine was in mint conidition but i looked at 7 other before buying mine. the other 7 were said to be in fantastic condition but you are bound to find something wrong in a 10+ year old car

Klierslc

The Climate control readout will likely be marginal at best--use that to bump the price down. Check for blue smoke right at startup--valve guides, push all the buttons and verify they work. If you have a jack, check the U joint and CV shafts for play.

Hope this helps.

Dan

Suneet

Check for power steering fluid leaking anywhere.

CK6Speed

iTrader: (1)

Make sure the instrument cluster lights and needles work. Check for odd steering like lag when you turn, or steering wheel doesn't return to zeroed out position. That could be a sign of worn steering rack bushings and/or worn lower control arm bushings. Clunking when you put the transmission into gear might be worn transmission bushing.

lexie

I have this problem and my shifter is kind of loose; any idea of how to fix this? Where is the transmission bushing located? Do you have diagram? Aloha.

CK6Speed

iTrader: (1)

I think typically it is the rear transmission mount. Sorry I don't have any diagram. Never replaced one myself since I have kind of low miles

samerooo

Dealer car? Says it runs like a champ?

I wouldn't even waste my time with a dealer. 90% are liars that will say anything to bring you to look at the car. This is from tons of experience. When you get there, you will find tons of problems.

Prix

Based on experience, I would not buy from a dealer either (unless you know them and have a solid working relationship with them going back years). I once asked to test drive a Mercedes coupe, v. flashy convertible, and the dealer just raved about the car. On my way back to their shop, I stopped in to let my (reliable) mechanic (who specialized in imports) have a look see, and he spent about 5 seconds on it before telling me to drive it straight back to the dealer and tell them that they were not going to suceed in pulling a fast one on me. The underside was rusted out (patched of course), it had been in a serious collision, etc. The car was a joke, basically, but it looked good. They had gone to a lot of trouble with an expensive paint job, etc. I (literally) threw the keys on their counter when I returned the car. Then I said something that I cannot repeat here and stomped out. I am sure someone else bought the car. They just play a waiting game until someone comes along who doesn't know any better. That's the sad truth.

Prix

Also, since I HAVE a '94 LS400, I can tell you that right about now is when things are starting to 'go'. In the past year, I have replaced the power steering system and the timing belt, both v. expensive repairs. The year before that, I had to replace air suspension in the front..also v. expensive (but got a deal on the air shocks through Arnott). The track light has been coming on lately. I have been told that that, potentially, could run a few grand if it is the ABS computer. Or, it could be a few hundred. I am afraid to have them run the codes on it!! Unless you are DIY, I would not advise buying a 13 year old car.

LiCelsior

iTrader: (32)

trac light could be caused by the o2 sensors or the TPS sensors too. some searching and it'll set u off.

lexie

If U have done your home work, you should not have bought a LS with air suspension (BTW, you still have the rear air shocks to worry about ). And no matter what car, you have to replace the timing belt anyway; One good thing about the LS engine : the engine is non interference (correct me if I'm wrong); so even the timing belt broke, the engine still O.K. Just my $0.02.

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

sounds like someone didnt thoroughly research before they bought their car

avalon42

iTrader: (1)

Han Solo says "Do Your Own Mods and Repairs".

ChrisDepew

Well lets just say that, I should have went with my instincts. Yeah, I have not had much luck with dealers in the past. But, I thought I found a good one. I had all the paperwork on this LS and I had done my homework (on here of course). So, sort of to my surprise, when I got there I spent literally 1 minute with the car, didn't need to start it. It was hit on the drivers side and been sprayed all over. He lied to me on several occasions. I had multiple pics of the car. It is hard to tell in pictures if it has been painted. So, I will never buy from a dealer ever again. Also, I will never buy a car in Atlanta, GA again. I spent Sunday the whole day over there looking at 5 different LS's all of them hit. So I am just going to buy a Maxima my other car love until I can afford a 97 or newer LS. I figure that it will be a year or so. But I will keep doing my research. If anyone knows of a good 93 or 94 LS I will take a look but I will be buying a maxima until I find a good one. I appreciate all the help. I pay cash for all my cars so that is why I can't just borrow the extra 2-3 grand for a newer one. I will have one just not right now.